The filming location is an important factor that sets the mood of a TV show or movie. That’s why filmmakers do a lot of research before finalizing it. But they aren’t the only ones that benefit from choosing the right filming location. When a popular show or movie is shot in a given place, its economy and cultural significance get a major boost. Consequently, the location attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Lord of the Rings – New Zealand
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot in multiple locations across New Zealand’s wild rivers, grassy fields, and mountain ranges. Over 150 locations of the island nation are featured in the three films. For example, the Village of Hobbiton was entirely created in the Waikato town of Matamata. This location is one of the busiest tourist attractions today. Similarly, Mount Victoria was where the Hobbiton Woods were created. Hutt River, Takaka Hill, Arrowtown, Mount Sunday, Harcourt Park, and Queen Elizabeth Park are other prominent locations that often formed the background for the film’s epic battles.
Apart from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogy was shot heavily across different locations in New Zealand. The makers of these films found New Zealand to be perfect for creating Middle-earth landscapes, mountains, and marshlands. Today, travel and tour operators across the country show tourists around special Middle-earth-themed parks. New Zealand’s economy and cultural recognition have benefitted endlessly because of the surge in tourism revenue attributed to the movie.
Mamma Mia – Skiathos, Greece
Quaint locations with a vibrant atmosphere are best suited for musical films and series as they are usually meant to be whimsical. For this reason, 2008’s Mamma Mia was filmed almost entirely on the beautiful Greek island of Skiathos. This tranquil island offers the perfect setting for weddings and romance-tinged stories with its combination of pine forests, colorful houses, and blue sea. This location was suitable since the movie’s plot revolves around a wedding.
Two locations on the island were used in the film. First, the St.Nikolaos Bell Tower was where the character of Sophie, played by actor Amanda Seyfried, mailed her wedding invitations to her possible three fathers. Second, the Old Port of Skiathos was where the characters Sam, Bill, and Harry, played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, and Colin Firth, respectively, meet for the first time.
The Sound of Music – Salzburg, Austria
One of the best musicals of all time, The Sound of Music put Salzburg, Austria, on the world map and popularized its rich musical and cultural history. The movie, based on the real-life story of the Von Trapp Family who lived there, received astonishing commercial and critical success.
Today, many places across Salzburg pay tribute to the film and the famous family. Tourists of all ages from across the world can participate in Sound of Music tours to relive the magic of the film.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Petra, Jordan
The Indiana Jones story required an inherently rugged landscape. Only a few locations across the globe would have been suitable to get the feel of the central character and his surroundings right. For this reason, many scenes from the iconic film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were shot in Petra, Jordan.
In the movie, the eastern entrance of Petra became the fictional Canyon of the Crescent Moon. This entrance, known formally as the Siq, is a 76-meter-high sandstone slot canyon that leads into a tomb called Al Khazneh (roughly translated into “the Treasury”). This beautiful entrance is a key tourist highlight of Petra’s architecture. In one of the film’s final scenes, legendary actors Sean Connery and Harrison Ford emerge from the Siq and walk into the labyrinths of the Treasury to find the Holy Grail.
The city of Petra has been considered a “lost” zone for hundreds of centuries, even after its rediscovery in the 19th century. By showcasing its beauty so well in the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade put the prehistoric city on the global map.
The Vampire Diaries – Georgia
A supernatural drama series, The Vampire Diaries was shot across different locations in Georgia, including Covington and Madison. The show’s characters, Stefan and Elena, were often seen at Georgia cafes by locals while filming was underway. The Town House Cafe was one such location that was used in 2013. After the success of the series, many tour company websites and apps started listing these cafes on their platforms with suffixes like “The Vampire Diaries” and “Fans of the Vampire Diaries eat here” to attract tourists.
Apart from cafes, Georgia has become famous for its gift shops and museums, where fans can find props and costumes from the famous show. The economic benefits of the show in this location continue to be profound.
Local Hero – Pennan, Scotland
Local Hero was one of the biggest hit shows in the 80s. It tells the story of an oil executive, played by actor Burt Lancaster, who travels to a remote Scottish village to buy it for his business. The show takes a turn when the rich businessman who intends to build an oil refinery in the village develops warmth and a deep compassion for its people.
Local Hero created an influx of tourists in Pennan, Scotland, where most of the series was filmed. Its beach scenes were shot at the famous Camusdarach Beach, which continues to attract fans.